Magazine Source: Unknown
Timeframe: 2001
Gold: Greatest Hits is out on 15 October. Won’t this fuel the speculation that STEPS are splitting?
Claire: I expect so. We’ve been breaking up for the past 2 years, if you read all the reports. But we’ve never even discussed it. We’re having too much fun. I see us being together for a long time.
Do you feel more under pressure than the boys to always look your best?
Claire: I hate having my weight constantly scrutinised. I’m not naturally skinny. I’ve always had a shape – hips and a bum. It takes a lot for me to stay slim. but I’m sick of dieting. I’ve been slimming for as long as I can remember and I’m not going to do it anymore. But I can make an effort with my appearance and I’m healthy. I think Dawn French is a really good-looking, sexy woman. It annoys me that only skinny is deemed beautiful, especially when the average British girl is a size 16.
Does it help that your boyfriends’ are all in the business?
Claire: My boyfriend Mark Webb is a dancer. He’s seen us at work so he knows what goes on and that it’s far from glamarous most of the time. But it really depends on the person. We can go without seeing our partners, so you have to have a bloke that trusts you. He could be a dancer or a dentist.
Can you tell us anything about your forthcoming weddings?
Claire: Mark and I don’t even live together and marriage isn’t on the cards. I’d like it to happen one day, but now isn’t the time. I’m only 24.
What’s the most ridiculous story you’ve read about yourself?
Claire: I’m always going out with people and dumping them when I’ve never even met them half the time. I also read that Mark dumped me after catching me making secret midnight phonecalls to an ex. And I’ve been pregnant three times this year too.
What’s been your most extravagant purchase since being in STEPS?
Claire: I bought a Mercedes SLK. I saw it in a magazine and ordered it that day. Very showbiz, wasn’t it?! I also spent £800 on a leather Gucci skirt, which I’ve never worn because it’s too tight!
Read more classic STEPS interviews in our Interviews & Reports section here.